More talking CCTV cameras will soon become a part of the Middlesbrough street scene.

Of the 154 cameras covering the town, eight have an audio function, allowing CCTV staff to address those misbehaving.

But in the wake of Home Secretary John Reid's visit to Middlesbrough yesterday, when he announced the pioneering scheme would be extended to 20 other towns and cities, Middlesbrough is to receive a further 10 "talkies".

They will be sited in the town's "entertainment area" - nightspots, bars and food houses from Linthorpe Road to Exchange Square near the town's railway station.

Middlesbrough Council's CCTV manager Jack Bonner said the scheme will benefit from £25,000 of the £500,000 Mr Reid pledged to extend the scheme nationally.

Mr Reid hailed the Middlesbrough scheme a "beacon" and said it had dramatically driven down anti-social behaviour.

The claim was backed by Mr Bonner. He said: "We have seen an 80% increase in stopping anti-social behaviour in its tracks."

On the litter front the success rate is an overwhelming 100%.

He said: "Each day is different. We might say: 'Excuse me, the lady in the red coat, you have been observed dropping litter. Can you pick it up and put it in the bin?'

"They will go and pick it up."

And, he added: "If the person doesn't respond, the public will approach the person involved and indicate to them they are being observed."

But the CCTV team has also been directly involved in halting more serious behaviour. Mr Bonner said: "We spotted some youths carrying out criminal damage on the roof of Pizza Hut. They were taking out the strip lights. We told them to put them back and to get off the roof and they did."

The extra broadcast cameras will be installed over the next three weeks.